Drones used to monitor congregational prayer
Raouf Dar
Srinagar August 21: Friday prayers were offered in the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of Downtown Srinagar after a gap of five months.
Authorities ordered closure of all religious places in Jammu & Kashmir as the Jamia Masjid was also closed for prayers in mid March to prevent spread of coronavirus.
The congregational Friday prayers were offered today at the historic and central Jamia Masjid Srinagar after a gap of 21 weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic as per the announcement of Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid.
Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid in a statement to KINS says, “As soon as the Azaan (call for prayer) echoed from the minarets, a large number of people including men and women started rushing towards the grand masjid and offered the congregational Friday prayers observing all measures of physical distancing and other SOPs including wearing of face masks, being implemented by the Anjuman.”
However, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq could not attend the Jamia Masjid due to his continuous house detention.
On the occasion, the people made special prayers seeking refuge from the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and the drought-like situation in Valley and other problems and challenges Kashmiris are facing.
Dar-ul-Khair Mirwaiz Manzil had put in place the arrangements for providing free masks to those who had come to the grand masjid without face-masks, a practice that will continue for all prayers at the mosque, the statement reads.
Authorities had deployed heavy security forces in the view of opening of Jamia Masjid Srinagar and offering Friday prayers after 5 months. Authorities also used drones for monitoring congregational prayers in historical Jamia Masjid.(KINS)
